August 30, 2011

Goodall Homes Featured in the Tennessean's Builder Spotlight

For the second time this summer, Goodall Homes has been chosen to be featured in The Tennessean's "Builder Spotlight". This was in the Real Estate section of the paper on Sunday, August 28, 2011.
(Written by Bill Lewis for The Tennessean.)
BUILDER SPOTLIGHT
Goodall Homes & Communities--Bob Goodall, owner and president (www.goodallhomes.com)
Years in Business: 28
Builder Statement:
Goodall Homes & Communities' areas of specialization include residential land development, home construction and new home sales. Despite the challenging economic climate, 2010 proved to be a record-breaking year, with a 23 percent sales increase over 2009, the second straight year for increases in sales and closings.
Goodall Homes is also award-winning. Goodall was recently awarded the prestigious National Housing Quality Award (Bronze Award), sponsored by Professional Builder Magazineand the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, the only homebuilder in the Southeast to win this award. Goodall also was awarded the 2010 Guildmaster Award for Outstanding Customer Service.
Goodall Homes has an unwavering commitment to building great homes at great values and providing unmatched customer service. Our company operates with an "open book management" philosophy that shares all information with employees during weekly meetings. This approach empowers all employees to work together to meet the company's strategic initiatives. It also creates an unequaled work environment where employees feel valued and supported.
Finally, Goodall works hard to foster strong relationships with our trade partners through our Trade Partner Council. This empowers or partners to work hand in hand with Goodall in achieving a "win-win" approach to building quality homes through effective processes.
How were you selected for the National Housing Quality Award?
Goodall's 400-plus-page application was reviewed by a committee. During a two-day visit, judges met with the executive management team, individual employees and trade partners to verify information and analyze the company's processes and environment. This year, only four homebuilders were selected, including Goodall Homes.
All of your homes are Easy Living certified. What does that involve?
Our customers appreciate the ease of a zero-step entry into the home, wider doorways throughout and more space in the kitchens and bathrooms to allow for easy maneuverability throughout the main living space on the first floor.
What developments do you have under way or recently completed n Middle Tennessee?
Goodall Homes has 12 locations in the most desirable areas of Middle Tennessee. Locations include Ladd Park and Bent Creek in Williamson County; Windstar Bay, Waterford Crossing, Cottage Grove, Lenox Place (a 55 and Better Community), Cambridge Farms and Elk Acres in Sumner County; StoneBridge (a beautifully master-planned community) and Providence Landing at Ellenwood Farms in Wilson County; and Magnolia Village in Robertson County. Opening soon will be our newest community, Foxland Harbor in Sumner County. This exclusive community will offer both lakefront and championship golf course living.
What advice do you give your customers about buying a home in today's economic environment?
Contrary to what people are hearing in the news, there has never been a better time to buy a home. Here in Middle Tennessee, home prices are affordable and interest rates are at historic lows. I encourage responsible individuals and families looking for a new home to not wait. The market is on its way to recovering, and when that happens, prices and interest rates will go up.
What type of housing do the company's developments include?Single-family homes, villas, townhomes and condominiums.
What is the range of home sizes or average size?
Homes range from 1,100 to more than 3,200 square feet.
Are buyers looking for smaller houses now? What's driving that trend?
There has been a shift over the last three years to smaller homes. We are seeing many buyers that have owned homes above 4,000 square feet downsize to the 2,000 to 3,500 square-foot range. Many of those buyers are looking for one-level living with the most important features being the owner's suite on the main level and open kitchens to the great room for entertaining.
What is the price range of your houses?
Homes range from $119,990 to more than $400,000.
What features are most popular?
While features like granite, open kitchens and an owner's suite on the main level remain popular, we continue to see a desire for one-level living.
Who is your customer base?
Goodall Homes has positioned itself to meet the needs of most buyer demographics. Our single-family homes, villas, town homes and condominiums will meet the needs of the first-time buyer, the second- or third-time move-up buyer, the move-down buyer or even the retiree.
What is the hallmark of your homes?
Goodall Homes has built thousands of homes in Middle Tennessee with the same focus: well-built, energy efficient, Easy Living-certified homes that meet the needs of buyers, no matter their stage in life.
(Thank you, Bill Lewis, for so wonderfully featuring Goodall Homes in the "Builder Spotlight" section of The Tennessean.)